Chris Evert, the 71-year-old American tennis icon and 18-time Grand Slam champion, has revealed that she is once again battling ovarian cancer, a condition she has been fighting since 2022.
The former tennis player, who has worked as a TV analyst in recent years, will soon begin chemotherapy following this latest recurrence of the disease.
Chris Evert: “I have learned that my ovarian cancer has recurred. I will suspend my professional commitments to focus on my health”
“Last weekend, after some tests, I found out that my ovarian cancer has recurred. I have already undergone surgery as the first step in my treatment and will begin chemotherapy in the coming weeks,” Evert stated.
She added, “Consequently, I will not participate in Wimbledon this year and will suspend my professional commitments for the next few months to concentrate on my health. Ovarian cancer is relentless, but I will remain optimistic and determined to continue this fight,” as reported by sport.aktuality.sk.
I am grateful to my medical team, family, friends, and everyone who has reached out to encourage me with warm messages. I look forward to seeing everyone again. – Chris Evert
Evert first underwent treatment for cancer in 2022, and the illness recurred about two years later. After managing to keep it under control, her ovarian cancer reappeared in 2026. Her sister, Jeanne, also a tennis player, succumbed to the same disease in February 2020 at the age of 62.
Throughout her career, Evert won 157 singles titles and secured at least one Grand Slam title each year between 1974 and 1986. Her accomplishments include seven trophies at Roland Garros, six at the US Open, three at Wimbledon, and two at the Australian Open. She also held the world number one ranking.
